Media

Commission Redraws the Federal Electoral Map
of Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Thursday, July 12, 2012 — The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Nova Scotia has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this fall.

Halifax Regional Municipality's four electoral districts have grown in population since 2001, while several outside the region have diminished. The commission set out to bring the number of residents in each electoral district closer to the average with the least possible disturbance to the current boundaries.

"The Commission recognizes that change should not be made just for change's sake, so we've proposed larger adjustments in and around Halifax, as well as in Cape Breton and Central Nova. At the same time, we've kept in mind urban and rural communities of interest and identity as well as historical patterns," said the Honourable Allan P. Boudreau, chair of the three-member commission. Dr. David Blaikie and Dr. Louise Carbert are the other members of the commission responsible for readjusting the province's federal electoral boundaries.

The proposal takes into account Nova Scotia's increase in population from 908,007 in 2001 to 921,727, as captured in the 2011 census.

Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the commission's main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible. The population of a district should remain within 25% of the average once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity, and historical and geographic factors. A commission can depart from the 25% guideline to deal with extraordinary circumstances.

Everyone is invited to attend. For complete address information for public hearings, visit www.federal-redistribution.ca under Nova Scotia > Public Hearings. Those wishing to make a presentation at a hearing are requested to send the commission notice no later than August 27.

Notices of presentation should include:

the person's name, address and contact information

the organization he/she represents (if any)

the date of the public hearing he/she wishes to attend

a short overview of the issue(s) he/she intends to address

the official language of preference

any accommodation needs the person may have

Written notice can be sent by e-mail to ns-ne@rfed-rcf.ca or by mail to the address below. Alternatively, the Public Hearings Notice Form can be filled out online at www.federal-redistribution.ca under Nova Scotia > Public Hearings.

Learn more about the redistribution of federal electoral districts at www.federal-redistribution.ca.